A lion head logo must be the only way to represent these values, right?

Not quite. Being in the numbers business doesn’t mean that you can get away with a run-of-the-mill logo. There are many creative ways to do justice your values and mission as an organization in an authentic, personal way. Your clients, even if only subconsciously, do expect these traits from your company before they can hand over a core part of their financial lives.

Here are some banking and accounting logos that strikingly represent what a financial company stands for.

1. The “conservative” animal emblem
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Animal imagery, such as bulls and lions, typically conveys strength, courage and bullishness (yep, that pun was necessary). It is no wonder then why they are so popular with the companies that handle your money, who want to give the impression of being built on a sturdy foundation.

Although using animals is relatively more expected and therefore more risky of fading into the background, a good design can render this type of logo memorable and creative. The logos below accomplish this through bold and contrasting colors, playing with geometric shapes or incorporating the image into the typeface.

2. Typography based banking logos
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Do you want your logo to tell your clients to say that you’re a reliable, straightforward, transparent brand? Perhaps all you need is a great typeface—just ask Lloyd’s of London. The result tends to be, while not especially ground-breaking, clean-cut and strong. Also, what better way to have your clients remember your company’s name when the name alone is your logo?

The choice of typeface is key to the kind of image you’ll project: a bold and well-recognized font can speak to your experience and tradition; a modern font can speak to a more tech-enabled banking experience; a softer one can speak to your human side and dedication to customer service. Just don’t use serif, and you’re in the clear.

3. A literal interpretation
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Being a memorable brand in a sea of barely-distinguishable finance institutions can be challenging. To strengthen the message and values that your company’s name is already portraying, you can have your logo stand as a visual representation of that name.

If your company’s name lends itself well to this (typically if it alludes to a physical object), this can be a subtle and creative way to have your company name remembered. Moreover, it can be a great way to double down on an unique or quirky element of your brand.

4. Geometry is beauty
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Clean, geometric shapes create an impression of tech-friendliness and modernity. This can appeal to a millennial audience who values a technology-enabled service more highly than generations past. With mobile finance on the rise and brick-and-mortar banks becoming a thing of the past, it may be wise to choose a logo that reflects your pioneering spirit.

5. Vintage-style finance logos
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A vintage or historic look carries the message: we’ve been around a while, so you can trust us. Perfect for companies that handle money! As more companies go for the techie look, an old-school logo may set you aside and establish a feeling of trustworthiness and tradition.

6. Blue is not the warmest color
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Another popular (some might say overused) staple of the financial services industry is the color blue. It’s not surprising because color theory teaches us that blue inspires seriousness, maturity and trustworthiness—prototypical qualities for companies dealing with money.

While blue is a safe choice, it’s definitely not the only choice, especially if innovation is a core part of your company values. If, for instance, you’re looking to reinvent how banking is done, make your logo speak that loud and clear. Going for bolder colors can be a great way to do that, and while you’re at it, how about the whole rainbow?

7. Have some fun with it
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Just the term ‘financial services’ can be intimidating to many people, especially right-brained ones. Perhaps you’re one of the heroes who’s trying to change that and make banking or accounting approachable, human and fun for your users. If so, a quirky mascot will be sure to win over even the most skeptical members of your target audience.

Adding it all up
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The bottom line is: you have options for your banking or finance logo! A mark that is both well-designed and true to your values can go a long way in strengthening your unique message. If your company is all about disrupting the financial landscape, then say that with an overt, creative and bold logo. And if you want to do things by the book (accounting pun intended), you can still have a memorable logo that reflects your more traditional values.

So use design to your advantage: it is likely what most of your left-brained competitors aren’t considering, and what may just make you stand out. Give creativity a fair shot and you’ll end up with a logo that is as personal, strong, quirky and innovative as your company.

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The author

Anada is the co-founder of day100.me, a data & analytics platform for recruiting. She loves geeking out about business strategy, design and user experience. When she's not drinking coffee, you can find her biking or practicing yoga. Tweet at her: @anadalakra